Ending cancer. Together.
Making History by Being First To achieve something as big and bold as ending cancer requires the courage to be first and a willingness to partner with others. At the Robert W. Franz Cancer Research Center in the Earle A. Chiles Research Institute at Providence Cancer Center, we have brought bold ideas to our research on using the body s immune system to fight cancer. Being housed under one roof has fostered the ability of our bench scientists and physicians at the bedside to work together, developing the best new ideas to improve cancer treatment. Our patients have often been the first in the world to receive a new cancer immunotherapy treatment. That takes courage, particularly on the part of our patients. It also takes determination on behalf of our team to partner with others who aspire to be bold with us. Here is a glimpse of our track record of firsts: First in the world n Genetically modified patient-derived tumor vaccine coupled with adoptive T cell transfer and interleukin-2 (IL-2) to treat late-stage melanoma (1995) n IL-21 for melanoma and renal cancer (2004) n Combination immunotherapy with chemotherapy, adoptive T cell transfer and vaccination for prostate cancer (2005) n Anti-OX40 for patients with advanced cancer (2006) n Patient-derived DRibble lung cancer vaccine (2009) n Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) plus IL-2 to treat late-stage melanoma and renal cancer (2009) n Off-the-shelf DRibble vaccine in lung cancer (2013) n Anti-PD-1 plus anti-kir to treat melanoma (2013) n Genetically modified listeria vaccine to treat glioblastoma brain cancer (2014) First in Oregon n Adoptive immunotherapy and high-dose IL-2 to treat late-stage melanoma (1994) n High-dose IL-2 to treat late-stage melanoma and renal cancer (1997) n Genetically modified breast cancer vaccine (1997) n Sipuleucel-T (Provenge) to treat prostate cancer (2000) n Ipilimumab to treat late-stage melanoma (2003) n Sorafenib to treat advanced kidney cancer (2004) n Anti-PD-1 to treat melanoma (2012) We are also the only cancer center on the West Coast to become part of Bristol-Myers Squibb s International Immuno-Oncology Network (2012). Our team is ready to make many more firsts, but we need your help. Join Center of Hope: 2017. For more information, contact Shari Lynn Scales, CFRE at 503-215-6220 or shari.scales@providence.org
Center of Hope: 2017 Ending Cancer. Together. Providence wants to help end cancer. Since the founding of our research program in 1993, we have made incredible progress bringing life-saving discoveries, such as anti-ox40, to patients and having the scientific world recognize immunotherapy as the newest standard of treatment for cancer. Yet we are called to do more. We are enlisting the support of visionary people through an initiative called Center of Hope: 2017. This initiative seeks to raise $65 million to enhance our established track record of innovation and discovery. I was absolutely at the right place. There is no doubt in my mind that Providence Cancer Center has world-class doctors, researchers, nurses and staff. I know I wouldn t be here today without them. Mark Williams was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma in 2007. Thanks to immunotherapy supported by philanthropy, Mark is tumor-free today. At Providence, science and medicine have joined together to study and understand the equation of how our body s immune system can fight cancer. Our focused research spanning more than two decades contributed to cancer immunotherapy being named as Science journal s Breakthrough of the Year in 2013. In spite of the advances made, one-third of all patients diagnosed with cancer still die of their disease (more than half a million Americans each year). They can t wait another decade or even another year. We must grasp this moment in history to continue developing immunotherapy and to continue our commitment of caring for the whole person.
Why Providence Cancer Center? n For years, our scientists have recognized the key role that the immune system plays in eliminating cancer cells. Now it is a proven fact that immunotherapy improves survival for cancer patients. n Walter J. Urba, M.D., Ph.D., came to Providence from the National Cancer Institute in 1993 believing that the immune system plays a role in recognizing and eliminating cancer. He, along with Bernard Fox, Ph.D., has led a team of investigators exclusively focused on tumor immunology at the Earle A. Chiles Research Institute. n Dr. Urba served as senior author and principal investigator on the international trial that led to the first immunotherapy drug approved for patients with melanoma ipilimumab. This was the first therapy to improve survival of patients with melanoma. And, its approval by the FDA was a watershed moment and an important milestone for the oncology community. This achievement was key to cancer immunotherapy being named Science journal s Breakthrough of the Year for 2013. n Andrew Weinberg, Ph.D., discovered anti-ox40 and with Brendan Curti, M.D., performed a clinical trial that demonstrated the safety and potential efficacy of anti-ox40. This led to the formation of AgonOx, a Providence-derived biotechnology company, and eventual partnership with the global pharmaceutical company, AstraZeneca. This discovery resulted from an innovative collaboration between bench scientists, clinical investigators and the philanthropic community. Clinical trials continue to define the value of anti-ox40, and a strategy to get anti-ox40 to market has been developed. n Providence Cancer Center is one of 11 leading research institutions in the world, and the only U.S. site west of the Mississippi River, selected by Bristol-Myers Squibb to form the International Immuno-Oncology Network. n We are one of 26 cancer centers across the country with the Cancer Immunotherapy Trials Network (CITN) designation a National Cancer Institute meritocracy. CITN employs the collective expertise of top academic immunologists to design and conduct cancer therapy trials with the most promising immunotherapy agents prioritized for high potential in treating cancer. This work is done in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute and other academic and industry partners. n We have a proven track record for investigator-initiated clinical trials. In addition to ipilimumab and anti-ox40, we have initiated first-in-human trials for a novel, bacterial-based vaccine for glioblastoma multiforme (brain cancer); alpha-tea, a vitamin E analog proven effective on breast cancer in pre-clinical models; and combination stereotactic body radiation therapy with immunotherapy for patients with advanced metastatic melanoma.
What will $65 million provide? n More translational research. With more research will come more breakthroughs in cancer immunotherapy at the Robert W. Franz Cancer Research Center in the Earle A. Chiles Research Institute. n A larger team of investigators. The success of our efforts will only be as good as the people chosen to lead our work. n Laboratory expansion. Financial support will allow us to finish 7,000 square feet of shelled space in the Earle A. Chiles Research Institute in Providence Cancer Center. n Improved patient support and outreach. Our patient advocates, nurse navigators, survivorship team, oncology palliative care and integrative medicine services greatly improve the quality of life for cancer patients and their families. n Endowment. High-level funding will ensure sustainability by securing the future of world-class research and state-of-the-art cancer care through endowed chairs and funding to allow engagement in research activities. Philanthropy allows us to Bring promising research and support to patients faster. How you can help end cancer n Give. Make a gift or pledge to Providence Cancer Center. n Get involved. Take a tour, meet our research team in person or attend a gathering. n Introduce. Share information about our work with others; host tours or gatherings for your friends. n Remember. Remember Providence in your will or estate plan to shore up the future of cancer research, treatment and care. For more information, contact Shari Lynn Scales at 503-215-6220 or shari.scales@providence.org. Ending cancer. Together. 1856 1987 1993 1995 1997 2006 2008 2009 2011 Providence Cancer Center MILESTonES Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart and four other Sisters of Providence arrived in Vancouver, Washington Territory. The Earle A. Chiles Research Institute at Providence Portland Medical Center is dedicated. Walter J. Urba, M.D., Ph.D., is recruited from the National Cancer Institute to start a cancer research program at the Earle A. Chiles Research Institute. OX40 research begins at Providence Cancer Center. A leadership gift names the Robert W. Franz Cancer Research Center. First high-dose IL-2 patient in the world is treated at Providence Cancer Center. First patient in the world receives anti-ox40 at Providence Cancer Center. Providence Together campaign raises $74 million. Providence Cancer Center opens a new 200,000 square-foot facility with all cancer services under one roof. First patient in the world is treated with IL-2 and SBRT combination therapy. MedImmune, a division of AstraZeneca, signs an agreement with Providence Cancer Center to further develop anti-ox40. 2013 The journal Science names cancer immunotherapy as the Breakthrough of the Year.
www.providence.org/centerofhope OUR MISSION As people of Providence, we reveal God s love for all, especially the poor and vulnerable, through our compassionate service. OUR CORE VALUES Respect, Compassion, Justice, Excellence, Stewardship Providence Health & Services, a not-for-profit health system, is an equal opportunity organization in the provision of health care services and employment opportunities. OR14-00744 SAB 5-14